Romanian Gymnastics Federation Must Face Penalties For Russian Flag Ban — Legislator
Russian gymnasts
The Romanian Gymnastics Federation should be slapped with fines for refusing to let Russian gymnasts compete under their national flag and anthem at the Challenge Cup, two-time Olympic speed skating champion and State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova said.On Friday, the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team pulled out of the Challenge Cup event in Cluj-Napoca after the city’s mayor, Emil Boc, announced his intention to bar Russian athletes from competing with their national symbols. The final stage of the Challenge Cup is scheduled to take place in Cluj-Napoca from June 26 to 28.»On one hand, we have our pride and the understanding that if we’re allowed to compete, the organizers are obligated to provide all the conditions for us to take part on equal footing. But on the other hand, they’re doing everything they can to pressure us into withdrawing on our own — so that we end up skipping tournaments ourselves. Then they can turn around and say: ‘See? It works. Why should we even invite the Russians?’ I wouldn’t want other countries to be able to adopt this same tactic,» Zhurova maintained.International federations should be punished for such actions, she added, citing the example of Wimbledon.»They didn’t allow Russian athletes to come even in neutral status — well then, be so kind, a fine of one and a half million pounds sterling. And that’s it, now they let them in,» the lawmaker explained.
Beyond PoliticsInternational Federation of Gymnastics Bends Over Backwards to Show Double Standards Against Russia2 April, 14:50 GMT
